Ruma Guha Thakurta, born Ruma Ghosh on 3 November 1934, was born into a culturally rich family to Satyen Ghosh (Monty Ghosh) and renowned singer Sati Devi, affiliated with Brahmo Samaj. Her mother was the eldest sister of Bijoya Ray, wife of iconic filmmaker Satyajit Ray. Thakurta's early training in music and dance began at Swarabitan in Kolkata, established by her parents. She later honed her skills under Abdul Rehman Khan of Patiala gharana and at the Uday Shankar India Cultural Centre